Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Betulaceae

Genus:

Betula

Species:

Betula × caerulea

USDA Symbol:

BECA4

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Tree

Height:

2000 cm

Drought Tolerance:

Low

Bloom Months:

apr,may

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:

★★★★★ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds, small mammals

Fall Color:

yellow

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Can resprout from the root collar after fire damage, typical of birch species.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

rich, well-drained loamy soil

pH:

5.0 - 6.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

Prefers cool, temperate climates

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days

Germination Time:

14–28 days

Notes:

Seeds require light for germination and should be surface sown. Fresh seed germinates best.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI